From pickles to pie and salad dressing, you’re probably familiar with apple cider vinegar thanks to its usefulness in a number of recipes. But have you ever thought about drinking it?
Yeah, it tastes pretty strong, but it can be mixed with water or some nighttime tea. It is one of the most effective apple cider vinegar uses and there is plenty of other options to consume it.
But what exactly does it ‘work’ for? I’m glad you asked! Today, let’s explore 10 ways a swig of apple cider vinegar before bed will help you.
1. Weight Loss
Studies have shown that sleep deprivation is closely linked to obesity. The heavier a person is, the more they tend to report problems with getting to sleep.
ACV prevents accumulation of fat. In one study, it was found to do this by reducing the body’s ability to turn starchy foods like pasta and rice into calories.
Apple cider vinegar was also found to reduce appetite. It does this thanks to an ingredient called pectin that makes your brain feel more satisfied. So if you get like me around bedtime (really hungry), it can be a real savior!
Instead of reaching for those cookies or that chocolate bar, mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and drink it instead.
2. Hiccups-Be-Gone!
The sour taste of apple cider vinegar overstimulates the nerves in your throat that cause hiccups. This causes the nerves to “forget” about the need to hiccup.
Just take a teaspoon of organic ACV and swallow it.
3. Sore Throat Treatment
The bacteria responsible for sore throat can’t thrive in the acidic environment apple cider vinegar creates. Additionally, the vinegar contains natural anti-bacterial properties.
An hour before bed, swallow one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Half an hour later, swallow another teaspoon, and then another right before you hop in bed.
4. Stuffy Nose Relief
Allergies have you up late? Reach for a bottle of apple cider vinegar! It contains the vitamins B1, B2, A and E, as well as potassium and magnesium. These work together to thin mucus and clear your sinuses.
Mix one teaspoon of ACV with a glass of water and drink it before bed to get some fast relief.
5. Acid Reflux Treatment
Acid reflux occurs when you have too little stomach acid. The small amount has to slosh around in order to do its job and some of the acid winds up in your esophagus.
Apple cider vinegar restores your stomach’s acidity, reducing the need for this sloshing. Mix one tablespoon with a large glass of water and drink an hour or so before bed. Apple Cider vinegar should be part of any acid reflux diet.
6. Reduced Nighttime Leg Cramps
Is sharp, tight pain in your legs keeping you up at night? It’s most likely caused by a lack of potassium.
Lucky for you, apple cider vinegar contains a healthy helping of potassium that will restore your body’s balance. Mix 2 tablespoons of ACV with a glass of warm water and drink it before bed each night to reduce cramps.
7. Lowered Blood-Sugar
The second most common cause of insomnia is a high blood-sugar level. It stops your body from going into the fat metabolism stage, which is necessary for sleep.
Apple cider vinegar works to lower blood-sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity.
Take two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar straight before bed each night if high blood-sugar levels are a problem for you. If you are on diabetes medication, consult with your doctor before using this remedy.
8. Bad Breath Treatment
If you find yourself waking up with a nasty taste and odor in your mouth, an abundance of bacteria in your mouth is probably to blame. Apple cider vinegar will kill this bacteria and keep your mouth fresh during the night.
Take one tablespoon of ACV before bed.
9. Reduced Stomach Pain
Have you ever tried to fall asleep with an upset stomach? Next to impossible, right? Not with apple cider vinegar!
Mix 1 cup of warm water with a teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar. Drink before bed and it’ll help with cramping and gassy discomfort.
10. Indigestion Prevention
Indigestion and insomnia are really good friends. Apple cider vinegar squashes that friendship faster than you can say “apple cider vinegar rocks!”
It works by combating nausea and bloating, as well as the acid reflux we mentioned earlier.
Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and honey each in a glass of warm water. Drink this 30 minutes before bed.
Do you know of any other ways apple cider vinegar helps with a good night’s sleep? Drop us a note in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.
Sources:
DrDeborahMD.com – Web MD – HealthyAndNaturalWorld.com – Time Magazine – LiveStrong.com – AuthorityNutrition.com – Mayo Clinic